Enhancing education quality through Level-2 national standard schools

In recent years, numerous primary and lower secondary schools across Dong Nai province have been recognized as Level-2 national standard schools. Along with improved infrastructure, the teaching staff has also undergone professional standardization, contributing to better education quality.

STEAM and clubs spark learning motivation among students

For the past three years, teachers at Nguyen An Ninh Primary School (Tam Hiep ward, Dong Nai province) have been implementing the STEAM teaching method across all subjects. Both homeroom and subject teachers are required to incorporate this approach into their lessons. Additionally, the school develops monthly themes that involve not only students but also their parents. For example, in October, the school is implementing a special environmental education theme focused on waste classification at the source. Teachers guide students in distinguishing and sorting waste right in the classroom and encourage them to practice the same at home with their parents.

The STEAM approach (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) aims to equip learners with interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills, enabling them to solve real-world problems. Instead of teaching science, technology, engineering, and math as separate, isolated subjects, STEAM combines them into a cohesive learning model focused on real-world applications.

For the past three years, teachers at Nguyen An Ninh Primary School (Tam Hiep ward, Dong Nai province) have implemented the STEAM method in all lessons. Photo: Khanh Loc

"Students are required to take photos or record videos documenting the process of completing each theme and submit them to their teachers in the following class. Beyond academic knowledge, we aim to foster skills, discipline, and self-awareness in our students from the primary level. STEAM lessons and thematic projects encourage them to observe, explore, and unleash their imagination,” shared Hoang Thi Ngoc, Principal of Nguyen An Ninh Primary School.

As a result, classes have become lively and engaging rather than monotonous. Instead of focusing solely on theory, students now learn through hands-on activities and real-world problem-solving, allowing them to develop a well-rounded set of skills. Cao Thi Hoai Thuong, homeroom teacher of Class 1/2 at Nguyen An Ninh Primary School, shared: “I don’t place heavy emphasis on grades to avoid putting pressure on the students. The new teaching approach, which incorporates STEAM, encourages active participation. The students enjoy coming to school more as they’re happier, more curious, and more eager to learn.”

Students at Cao Ba Quat Primary School (Trang Bom commune, Dong Nai province) participate in a school-based pickleball club. Photo: Minh Tai

All classrooms at Cao Ba Quat Primary School (Trang Bom commune, Dong Nai province) are equipped with projectors and computers to support students' learning. Beyond academic instruction, the school has also invested in and organized a variety of clubs, such as chess, pickleball, badminton, and basketball, to promote students' overall development. Although these are not core academic subjects, the school still invites dedicated coaches to teach and guide the students.

“In addition to their regular academic lessons, students can register to join clubs based on their interests and are allowed to change their choices. Participating in these clubs not only helps reduce academic pressure but also enhances students’ skills and provides a healthy environment for holistic development,” shared Nguyen Quoc Khoi, Principal of the school.

National standards go hand in hand with education quality

Since its establishment in 1997, Cao Ba Quat Primary School in Trang Bom commune, Dong Nai province, has implemented a two-session school day model. Notably, the school also offers semi-boarding services, allowing students to have lunch and take a midday rest on campus. For many consecutive years, the school kitchen has been inspected and certified by the Dong Nai Department of Health as meeting food safety standards.

“I feel completely at ease having both of my children, my son in Grade 4 and my daughter in Grade 1, attend this school full day. I don’t enroll them in any private tutoring, yet their academic performance has remained consistently excellent,” shared Nguyen Thanh Thuy, a parent.

Nguyen Quoc Khoi, Principal of Cao Ba Quat Primary School, explained: “According to the Ministry of Education and Training, a nationally standardized school must meet five key criteria: school organization and management; personnel including school leaders, teachers, staff, and students; facilities and teaching equipment; collaboration between the school, family, and society; and the quality and outcomes of educational activities.”

Level-2 national standard schools are required to meet higher-level criteria to ensure the comprehensive quality of educational activities, laying the groundwork for aligning with the development level of schools in advanced countries in the region and globally.

Thanks to its high teaching and learning standards, Cao Ba Quat Primary School became the first school in the former Trang Bom District to be recognized as a Level-1 national standard school in 1998. In 2024, it was officially accredited by the provincial People’s Committee as a Level-2 national standard school.

Students at Cao Ba Quat Primary School take time to read in the school library. Photo: Bich Nhan

In the 2024–2025 school year, Nguyen An Ninh Primary School (Tam Hiep ward, Dong Nai province) was honored to receive official recognition as a Level-2 national standard school. This achievement is the result of the collective dedication and unity of the school’s administrators, teachers, staff, and students.

According to Principal Hoang Thi Ngoc, the school was required to meet rigorous infrastructure standards, including fully equipped subject-specific classrooms, recreational areas, music rooms, psychological counseling rooms, and multipurpose learning spaces, all of which had to demonstrate tangible effectiveness in improving teaching and learning quality. For five consecutive years, 100% of students successfully completed their grade level without any cases of grade repetition. In addition, all teachers met the qualification standards required for primary education, holding at least a bachelor's degree.

“Right after achieving Level-1 National Standard status, we set our sights on Level 2. From that point forward, every teacher and staff member committed to upholding high professional standards and unity. For years, neither the school’s leadership nor teaching staff has had any violations in management or instruction. This has not been easy as it required constant effort from everyone to maintain and build a standard-compliant school,” emphasized Principal Ngoc.

According to Circular No. 18/2018/TT-BGDDT issued by the Ministry of Education and Training, the evaluation and accreditation of educational quality, as well as the recognition of national standard schools at the lower secondary, upper secondary, and multi-level school levels, aim to encourage investment and mobilize resources for education. This endeavor contributes to ensuring that secondary schools continually improve the quality and effectiveness of their educational programs.

At the lower secondary level, Hung Vuong Secondary School (Trang Bom commune, Dong Nai province) has also held Level-2 national standard status since the 2021–2022 academic year. A key highlight of the school is the outstanding quality of its teaching staff, one of the core criteria for national standard schools. According to the school’s statistics, over 60% of its teachers have been awarded the title of Excellent Teacher at the district level (as of the 2024–2025 school year, when the district-level administration was still in place). Furthermore, in the most recent provincial-level competition for Excellent Homeroom Teachers, 7 out of 8 school representatives earned awards.

Hung Vuong Secondary School (Trang Bom commune, Dong Nai province) has met Level-2 national standards since the 2021–2022 academic year. Photo: Minh Tai

Nguyen Thuy Du, Vice Principal of the school, emphasized: “Teacher quality is one of the key criteria for a 'national standard school'. Teachers must be innovative in their teaching to make lessons more engaging, moving away from dryness or routine approaches, so that students feel motivated to learn. In recent years, many of our students have received top honors at former district-level and provincial-level academic competitions, as well as awards from online extracurricular contests.”

The development of national standard schools plays a vital role in effectively implementing the new general education curriculum. It also helps schools continuously improve in both quality and comprehensiveness. The positive impact of national standard schools is clearly evident, providing convincing proof of their value.

By Bich Nhan - Translated by Hong Van, Minho